There is so much to see in the United States that it can be hard to decide where to go next and what to choose. This USA bucket list has the most exciting and iconic places to visit and things to do in America. Whether this is your first trip to the US or if you are from the States, you will be able to experience the most amazing and unique things America has to offer. Some people say that the culture in the United States is very new and there are not as many unique things as there are in Europe, but it isn’t true. Each city has its history and culture and the best local cuisine that was formed by the people and the cultures immigrating to the region. Here are the top 20 things you must add to your American bucket list when you are planning your next vacation!
USA Bucket List – 20 Unique Places to Go and Things to Do in America
Watch a Broadway Show in New York City
When in New York, you should go to see a Broadway show. You might not be able to get seats to the Hamilton, the new story of one of America’s founding fathers interpreted through hip-hop. (My dream!) However, there are still the classics and Broadway truly can’t be beaten. Some of my favorites – The Lion King, Les Miserables, and Wicked – the classics you shouldn’t miss on your trip to the Big Apple. For more information about available tickets, go here.
Feel the Mist of Niagara Falls
I didn’t understand what that means until I stood and watched the water hit the rocks with incredible might and strength at Niagara Falls. The force of the water is so energizing. Stand as close to the falls as you can (or take a ride on the Maid of the Mist) and feel the power, listen to the sound of the roaring water (and paint with the colors of the wind)!
There are a lot of fun things to do in Niagara Falls, so planning ahead will help you ensure that you get to see everything on your list. You might want to consider the Niagara USA Discovery Pass – you’ll get a discount on admission to popular park attractions. Niagara Falls has to be on your USA bucket list – more than six million feet of water cascading over a rocky crest is a view to remember!
Remember, it’s partially located in the United States and partially in Canada, so if you can, go to the Canadian part as well! This is a place you should experience at least once in your lifetime. But if you go once, you will probably come back again.
Gaze at the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Discovered in 1870, the Old Faithful geyser was named for its frequent eruptions, which is more than a million since it became the world’s first national park. Thermal features change constantly and Old Faithful may stop erupting someday. Old Faithful erupts every 35 to 120 minutes for 1 1/2 to 5 minutes. Its maximum height ranges from 90 to 184 feet. While it is not the biggest or the most regular geyser in Yellowstone, it is the biggest regular geyser. The view of the Old Faithful is truly amazing and Yellowstone should be in the top 5 of your American bucket list!
Visit the Alamo in San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the oldest cities in the United States with rich and amazing history. No visit to San Antonio, Texas is complete without a tour of the Alamo, the site of the most important battle for the Republic of Texas. Visit Alamo to understand early Texas history and the battle for Texas independence as well as Spanish architecture and artifacts. After you are done there, check out the Riverwalk and eat at one of the many great restaurants.
Related: Cheap US Airline Review for Your Bucket List
Attend the Mardi Gras Festival in New Orleans
Another city that has a very unique culture that you absolutely have to experience is New Orleans. The most exciting time to visit New Orleans is during the Carnival season and especially during the Mardi Gras Festival. But don’t worry if you go at another time, there’s always a party to be found in NOLA, from poky jazz bars to smoldering blues clubs. New Orleans is definitely a great place to add to your bucket list to get truly unique USA experiences. Read more about the oldest cities in the United States that have a unique history and shaped the US in my blog post.
Catch the Cubs game at Wrigley Field while taking down a Chicago-style hot dog
If you are looking for uniquely American experiences, this is it. Even if you are not a baseball fan, at least once in your life you should experience this iconic place. It is synonymous with Chicago and a visit to the city would be incomplete, without a visit to Wrigley Field. Before the game, go see the reflection of the city in the Cloud Gate, or “the bean”. And after having a Chicago-style hot dog have a Chicago-style pizza! After you do, let me know which one you liked more in the comments below! (or send me a message on Instagram)
Planning a trip? See more unique things to do in Chicago!
Go skiing in Aspen Highlands, Colorado
Aspen Highlands features extreme Colorado steeps. Think you are really, really good? Then go where the locals go to get humbled – Aspen Highlands. Wide-open runs, breathtaking views, plenty of beginner and intermediate runs, and hike-accessible terrain that is some of the steepest in the state. If you love adventurous and exciting holidays, Colorado has everything you need!
Hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is an amazing experience that is worth any USA bucket list. It does, however, require a good amount of physical training beforehand. The views are even more amazing from the bottom than they are from the top, and if you would like, you could take the mules up or down. And plan ahead, people reserve their lodging (and mules) up to 6 months in advance.
Try some BBQ ribs in Kansas City, Missouri
When in Kansas City, you’ll be surrounded by some of the best barbecue joints in the country so why not try one.. Or two? Among my favorites – Jack Stack and Stack BBQ.
And if you are in Kansas City for the BBQ, check out their WWII museum – it is phenomenal.
Walk the Walk of Fame in LA
Los Angeles is a vibrant city, full of art, history, and nature. Of course, many people go to L.A. for the movie and television culture that the area is most famous for. If you are in L.A., don’t miss seeing the Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood, and the Guinness World Records Museum.
Go Gambling in Las Vegas, Nevada
With a rich history of nearly a century of legalized gambling, Las Vegas is the mecca for casino players across the globe. The city contains more than 75 casinos, with most concentrated on Las Vegas Boulevard – more commonly known as the Strip. The Bellagio, the Caesars Palace, the Venetian – visit all of these when you are in Las Vegas. Maybe, you’ll bring some cash home!
Attend the Burning Man festival in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada
Have you heard of the Burning Man Festival? If you have always wanted to go, do it! There is nothing like that! Participants join in the effort to co-create Black Rock City, a temporary town in the middle of the desert dedicated to art and community. There you will find art installations, themed camps, music, and a giant burning man at the end of the festival! You know, that’s the reason everyone is there!
Watch the fish fly at Pike Place Market and leave your “mark” on the Gum Wall in Seattle
Pike Place Market is a public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is known for their tradition of fishmongers throwing fish that customers have purchased, before they are wrapped.
And, of course, see the gum wall (or touch?), it’s gross, but a must if you are in Seattle. And you can add to the art!
Spend a day wandering in NYC
Visit the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, and the Twin Towers Memorial. I actually did all of these in one day the last time I visited. Yes, that is a lot of walking but it is doable. And, it’s amazing! My favorite parts of NYC – the busy streets of Lower Manhattan, hearing different languages everywhere you go, and NY-style pizza. It almost doesn’t feel like you are in the US, so you must go. When you are there, spend at least a day shopping in some of the most famous shopping areas in the US!
Get lost among giant sequoia trees in the Redwood National Park, California
Travel to Northern California’s stunning Redwood National Park and see the tallest trees in the world. You will feel like a tiny fairy (or gnome) as you stroll in the shadows of these enormous trees and explore rocky undeveloped beaches, fern-studded canyons, open prairie, and oak woodlands.
See “the Heads” in Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
South Dakota is home to the Badlands and the Needles of the Black Hills, but nothing “stands out” quite like Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This project was created as a way to attract tourists to the state and, it worked! Mount Rushmore is now visited by nearly 3 million people annually! And yes, I hope you can see how excited I was in the photo above!
Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and see Alcatraz in San Francisco, California
Rent a bike and pedal your way over the world’s most famous bridges! The Golden Gate bridge is one of the most famous and beautiful bridges in the world because of its spectacular location, graceful lines, details, and bright color. With towers extending 746 feet into the sky and over 100 feet beneath the bay, the bridge is an engineering marvel. There are so many other beautiful locations in San Francisco and every single one of them is worth going to, read here about cool places and neighborhoods to see in San Francisco.
Related: Travelling to San Francisco
Dive into Puerto Rico’s Bio-luminescent Bay
If there’s one thing you can’t miss during your vacation in Puerto Rico, it’s experiencing the glowing lagoon while kayaking or snorkeling. The bioluminescent bay in La Parguera is a natural phenomenon unlike any other. Sometimes called the ‘phosphorescent bay’, it is home to year-round luminescence and is one of only seven of its kind in the world.
Experience Saint Louis like a Local
See a Cardinals baseball game, visit the Budweiser brewery and eat at Pappy’s Smokehouse in Saint Louis. Experience your day as recommended by a Saint Louis local and then go and take a picture with the Arch. (not so local, but worth it!) If you have more time, visit the Science Museum and the Zoo! (both are free!!)
Watch the Northern Lights in Alaska
Last but not least on the USA bucket list is the Northern Lights of Alaska. Northern Alaska is where many Americans head for the chance to see the northern lights. Spend some time above the Arctic Circle under the mysterious, eerie northern lights from mid-September to late April to witness the phenomenon of the aurora borealis.
More Ideas for your Bucket List:
- Learn about American Government in Wahington DC
- Hike the Bryce Canyon National Park
- Explore the Ancient Homes at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado
- Hike the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Listen to Jazz, Try Creole Food and Stay at the French Quarter in New Orleans
- Visit the Walt Disney World in Orlando
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- See Someone Famous in Hollywood, California
Are you looking for more travel ideas in the United States, see the Oldest Cities to Visit in the US and the Best Summer Vacations in the US!
April 4, 2018
I’m from Australia and haven’t been the US yet so this is a great list for me! Thanks
April 15, 2018
That’s so great! I hope you will find it useful when you come to visit!
April 4, 2018
These are all great places to travel and see. I would love to explore the majority of these places as well.
April 4, 2018
I’ve visited five of the locations on the list and completed only three of the items. However, this reminds me that there is still so much for me to do and see right here in America.
April 4, 2018
I think sometimes we get so caught up in international travel that we totally forget about the treasures that are here in America. When I went to San Francisco I was so amazed at this city that is right in my “backyard” per se that I had never thought to go to.
Lovely list! x
Michelle
dressingwithstyle-s.com
April 5, 2018
I moved to California from Europe, so many things on my bucket list. Most curious about New Orleans.
April 5, 2018
The only thing that I have done on this list is go to a Mardi Gras Festive because I live in New Orleans. There are a lot of places that I want to go visit, South Dakota is one of them.
April 5, 2018
I’ve done 3!!! I want to do them all, you’ve made a great list!
April 5, 2018
Great list! I have only done 2 of these and I live in the US! I could for sure add some fun things to this list, like ice skating outside in downtown Detroit. Or check out Mammoth Caves in Kentucky 🙂
April 15, 2018
Oh yes, I have been to the Mammoth Cave! It’s definitely worth adding to this list!
April 5, 2018
Seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska and skiing/snowboarding in Colorado are two things I am DESPERATE to do. Love the balance of well-known and hidden-treasure-esque things to do 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
April 5, 2018
So many good ideas! I have some of those on my bucket list. ❤️
April 5, 2018
Great list! I love the unique ideas. I have only accomplished wandering around NYC, even though I have been to 5 of these cities!! Pinned for later! 🙂
Kendra B.
http://www.helga-marie.com
April 15, 2018
Thank you!
April 5, 2018
I’ve done only four of these. Ohh gee! I have more to go 😀
April 5, 2018
Awesome list! I have done 11 in some form, I will have to get on to finishing the rest!
April 15, 2018
That’s a lot! You are almost done! Then, it’s time to go abroad and see more if you ask me!
April 5, 2018
I’ve love seeing Broadway shows!! Of course, I don’t live in New York, but there’s a theater where I live and I’ve seen The Lion King (AMAZING) and Wicked (So good!). I actually did see Cinderella on Broadway in New York though and it was awesome. I also just visited Niagara Falls a few months ago and it was beautiful. Going to Alaska to see the northern lights is something that has been on my bucketlist for forever. I can’t wait until I get to go and hopefully that will be soon! Great post!
Megan xx insidemegansmind.com
April 15, 2018
Wow! I actually haven’t been to the Niagara Falls yet, but I can’t wait to go!
April 5, 2018
A lot of these are def. on my list. Thanks for the tips!
April 28, 2018
Great list. Will start working on bucket list destinations next year. Anxious to look at these from the lens of a baby boomer.
May 4, 2018
This is a great bucket list! I would love to visit a lot of these places!
May 21, 2018
Yosemite is one of my favourite places on earth! I also love Arches and Bryce Canyon national parks. My next trip I plan to visit Badlands and some of the other remote quieter NPs. I really love USA! I try to visit at least every two years, I love to stop in small towns in between driving the parks on road trips. Also Zion NP is absolutely stunning … would love to hike through it one day.
September 7, 2018
NYC is amazing, but can’t wait to go to Las Vegas
September 19, 2018
Thanks- for sharing the great post. The information is really noticeable especially info about Niagara Falls. I love to travel a lot, once again thanks a lot for sharing such a nice article, and please share another post very soon as I am waiting to read out another wonderful post so that I can update my travel list.
October 4, 2018
What a great list for people to use! Thanks for sharing:)
October 4, 2018
Love it!! So many awesome recommendations:)
October 4, 2018
There’s some great things on this list, I’ve been lucky to have checked off a few! Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge is amazing, but I got to run across it during a marathon! Wrigley Stadium is my favorite ballpark of all the ones I’ve visited, definitely the ultimate place to catch a game. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon get the high up view, but I agree that the best way to experience this natural landmark is from below!
October 4, 2018
These seem like such fun and beautiful places to visit! I think I’ll be adding a few to my bucket list travels.
November 29, 2018
Beautiful blog :).
November 29, 2018
I need to get busy with this list. I’ve only done five! And, unfortunately, they don’t let you dive into the biobay In Puerto Rico anymore for conservation purposes. My husband did as a kid, but I missed it. Very sad. Love this list.
November 29, 2018
Nice list! I like to say I’ve done a lot of the USA, but your list makes me realise I have a lot to go. I’ve only got 10/20!
November 29, 2018
As an American who has lived in many different cities, it’s embarrassing how few of these I have done! But some good inspiration for the New Year. Love the variety!
November 29, 2018
Such a great post! I’ve only done less than a handful of these things and I am a traveler myself! I’ve been to NYC 2x and have yet to see a Broadway show. I need to do that the next time I am there!
November 29, 2018
Love it! We have a see all 50 states bucket list that we’re more than 1/2 way through! It’s so fun!
December 1, 2018
Awesome site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get comments from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Cheers!
October 9, 2019
Yellowstone National Park is similar to the Great Geysir in southwestern Iceland. It was stunning! Would love to visit USA one day soon!
October 9, 2019
I live in the United States and still haven’t done eveything on this list. What a great synopsis of things to do!
October 9, 2019
I love your list. A lot of these were on my bucket list before, but a lot of them I will have to add
October 10, 2019
So many amazing places to visit in the US. Sadly I have yet to see any of these. Hopefully soon.
October 10, 2019
What a fantastic list! I think that you have captured so many amazing experiences in the USA. I’ve done a ton of them which is so interesting because being from Canada, I don’t really think of them as being such important experiences. But when I see them listed like you have done, they are amazing things to do in the USA.
October 10, 2019
Yay Chicago made the list!! Love your bucket list graphic and all your tips! Burning man is definitely on my list 🙂 great post! Keep it up <3
October 11, 2019
I love your bucket list, USA has so much to offer, personally, I’m really into the great canyon. It just looks so cool!
October 12, 2019
I’ve been to the U.S twice now and there’s always something new to discover. On my last visit, we stayed at Las Vegas but didnt get a chance to visit the Grand Canyon. Will need to return soon
October 12, 2019
This is the perfect bucket list for any tourist visiting the USA!
October 16, 2019
I’m saving this for my trip to America next year!
November 14, 2019
This is a great list!! I have only done 7 of them. I’ve never been to Alaska, Puerto Rico, or Washington, so I must add those to my list so that I can check off a bunch more of the bucket list items.
November 30, 2019
I love updating and adding on to my bucket list! The world is huge and there is so much to see!
November 14, 2019
Great ideas! Thanks!
November 14, 2019
I live in the US and haven’t done one thing on your list. Thanks for the inspiration!
December 27, 2019
Wow, Thanks for amazing post…….
July 9, 2023
Wow, I absolutely love your USA Bucket List! It’s such a comprehensive and inspiring guide for travelers like me who are looking to explore the gems of the United States. Your article showcases the diversity and beauty of this vast country, from iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon to lesser-known treasures like Sedona. The vivid descriptions and stunning photos truly bring each destination to life, igniting my wanderlust even more. Thank you for sharing this incredible resource, it’s definitely going to be my go-to guide for planning my next USA adventure! CinemaHDV2